The Daily Stoic Daniel Barkhuff on Restoring the 4 Stoic Virtues to Leadership
May 15, 2021
Daniel Barkhuff, president of Veterans for Responsible Leadership and Navy SEAL veteran, talks about his journey from the Naval Academy to serving in combat. He passionately advocates for restoring Stoic virtues in leadership, emphasizing accountability and ethical responsibilities. Barkhuff dives into the emotional challenges leaders face amid crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reflects on heroism defined by selflessness rather than personal gain, and the moral dilemmas that arise from public service, urging listeners to engage with the complexities of civic responsibility.
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Path to the Naval Academy
- Daniel Barkhuff's path to the Naval Academy wasn't driven by family tradition, as his family had limited military background.
- His interest stemmed from a childhood fascination with the military and a desire for the broad range of opportunities it offered.
Military Recruitment Bias
- The shift to an all-volunteer military force creates selection bias, appealing to those seeking socioeconomic incentives or adventure.
- Barkhuff admits his initial motivation was the thrill of flying jets and jumping from planes, not a deep sense of duty.
Inculcating Values at the Naval Academy
- The Naval Academy instills values like duty and honor through stories of Vietnam POWs, including Stockdale.
- Witnessing peers upholding these values creates positive pressure towards ethical conduct.
